What happened
On the morning of the accident, the pilot arrived at the work site at approximately 0645 ESuT to begin spraying operations. Although the property owner had previously provided a map and a briefing regarding local obstructions and powerlines, the pilot had spent the previous day addressing a minor engine issue in Scone and staying overnight in Mudgee. After completing spraying on roughly 175 acres of an adjacent farm, the pilot began inspecting the next target area. During this process, the pilot declined an offer from the property owner to fly along to assist with identifying boundaries and hazards.
The aircraft performed three passes over the field before descending toward an area of barley. To reach the necessary altitude for the spraying swath, the pilot had to navigate a gentle rise that included a dam bank. During this maneuver, the aircraft encountered a three-wire spurline running north-to-south, positioned perpendicular to the flight path. Witnesses observed the aircraft appearing to maintain level flight while beginning its spray run, but the aircraft subsequently struck the line. The impact caused the aircraft to hit the ground heavily and overturn. The accident resulted in one fatality, involving the pilot.
Findings
At the time of the incident, weather conditions were clear with light winds. The aircraft struck a spurline that spanned 165 meters from a main powerline to a pole located near a residence. The pilot was flying in an easterly direction toward rising ground that was obscured by shadows, which placed the foreground powerlines against a dark backdrop. The collision with the powerline occurred as the aircraft attempted to position itself for the spraying run near the dam bank.